Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Australia's National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) will continue its fixed wireless managed service partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) and has expanded the partnership to include operation of the ground component of the Long Term Satellite Solution (LTSS) and customer service activation. Ericsson will continue to be responsible for the operation of the fixed wireless network, and will take on the additional responsibility of managing the satellite ground systems when launched. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The new agreement makes Ericsson the primary service partner for both NBN Co's fixed wireless and satellite services, which are planned to cover over 1 million households.

NBN Co expects new activations for high-speed broadband services in rural Australia to reach 12,000 to 15,000 installations per month at its peak in 2016.

http://www.ericsson.com/news/1841831

In February 2014, Australia's NBN Co awarded a key contract to Optus to operate two purpose-built satellites that aim to deliver high speed broadband across rural and remote Australia. Under the contract Optus will provide tracking, telemetry and control services in connection with NBN’s Long Term Satellite Service. The two satellites currently under construction are scheduled to launch in 2015. The contract has a five year term, with options to extend for up to 15 years.